The phrase pertains to online platforms that facilitate the acquisition of computer programs through a peer-to-peer file-sharing protocol. These platforms enable users to share portions of a software file, allowing for faster download speeds as multiple users contribute to the distribution. An example is a website where one might find a popular video editing suite available for download via a torrent file.
Accessibility and efficiency are key factors in their appeal. These platforms can offer access to software that may be expensive or difficult to obtain through conventional channels. Historically, they emerged as a means of circumventing centralized distribution models and promoting decentralized file sharing, although this raises concerns about copyright infringement and software piracy.
